How to properly document a jersey
An accurate photo documentation of each item is very important. When applying for Statement of Experts or Third party certificate acknowledgement, it is even manadatory. (see SAMPLE JERSEY PHOTOGRAPH FOR GA AUTHENTICATION REQUEST).
Quality photos have a higher informative value and make decision-making easier for potential buyers, but they can also serve as evidence in the event of disputes and ambiguities.
BACKGROUND
Ideally, shoot the item against a monochrome contrasting background. Spread dark objects on a light background and vice versa. The background should have no distinctive patterns, though wooden tables, floor or tiles are usually fine. For example, a single-colored sheet is ideal.
Unsuitable photo: Dark jersey on a dark background
Unsuitable photo: Other objects in the photo are disturbing
LIGHT
Proper lighting is also important. Shoot the item in such a way that it is evenly lit. Any shadows can be confusing, as they can look, e.g., like a stain on the object.
Unsuitable photo: Shadows on the jersey can be confusing, for example, they can give the impression of dirt or stains on the jersey
ARRANGEMENT
Always place the jersey on a flat surface (table, bed, floor), never take a picture of the jersey, for example, hanging on a hanger. Stretch and straighten the jersey as much as its condition allows.
Fold and show the whole sleeves in the photo so the essentials (numbers, patches) are visible. However, do not leave the sleeves stretched. You may do so only for supplemental pictures - not the main one. Stretched sleeves will cause a large part of the photo to show the background, such as the floor.
Unsuitable photo: Make sure that the image is rotated correctly
Unsuitable photo: The jagged jersey does not allow identifying details in full
Unsuitable photo: No folding of the sleeves
Unsuitable photo: The details of the item cannot be recognized from the photos in the low resolution.
Unsuitable photo: Even a picture taken on the body will not show all the details
Unsuitable photo: It’s hard to recognize details of a jersey on the hanger
PHOTO ANGLE
Try to photograph the jersey from a sufficient height perpendicular to the mat. In general, the sharper the angle, the less suitable the photo. Sharp angles can distort the appearance of the whole item. For other things (such as pucks), choose a shooting angle to cover the essentials in the main photo.
Unsuitable photo: Too large shooting angle distorts the picture
DETAILS
The photos should, if possible, clearly show details that can help identify the jersey. If there are such parts, it is advisable to take a picture of each of them separately.
SAMPLE JERSEY PHOTOGRAPH FOR A GA AUTHENTICATION REQUEST
Required photos:
Examples of shooting details:
